An early Christmas came to The Buckingham retirement community, which hosted its seventh annual holiday party for residents, staff and their families. The celebration, staged by 30 resident volunteers as a way to give back to staff, brought together the entire community and their families for a festive morning complete with Santa, gifts, and an oversized gingerbread house the children were able to eat.

“This is a huge celebration for everyone that makes up our community here at The Buckingham,” said Margaret Hare, who coordinates the event each year. “I have seven-year-old quintuplet great-grandchildren who have come their whole lives – it’s just a part of their holiday tradition now. This is our chance to come together in celebration of the season’s gifts of family, fun and gratitude.”

Approximately 200 guests attended this year’s event, including resident and staff families from all over Houston – Spring Branch, Katy, Sugarland, Humble, Cypress, Spring, Kingwood and Pearland, among other areas. In addition to participating in fun holiday activities, children received a personal picture with Santa, played by one of The Buckingham’s drivers, and gifts chosen and delivered by residents in festive red vests.

“It’s always a treat to see what the team of about 30 resident volunteers pulls together for this party each year,” said Julie Fenske, executive director of The Buckingham. “From Margaret Hare and her team of volunteers, to German-born Inge Liesner who bakes the huge gingerbread cake the kids then get to eat, it’s an organic celebration borne of this close-knit community.”

The Buckingham subscribes to the Masterpiece Living^® programphilosophy, which encourages a healthy lifestyle in all regards – physical, mental, social and spiritual. Time spent with friends and family and the opportunity to serve others is a natural extension of this approach, accentuated by the holiday spirit of love and charity.